Property group expands into North West

A fast-growing estate agency group has expanded into the North West with its 18th acquisition in seven years.

North East-headquartered My Property Box has bought the residential sales and lettings arm of H&H Land & Estates for an undisclosed sum, establishing a presence in Carlisle, Penrith, Cockermouth and Kendal.

The deal – which follows My Property Box’s recent acquisition of the residential lettings portfolio of Middlesbrough-based Horizon Sales & Lettings – expands the agency beyond its established North East and North Yorkshire heartland and makes it one of Cumbria’s largest estate agencies.

It forms part of My Property Box’s buy-and-build strategy, which is backed by a multi-million-pound investment secured from growth capital investor BGF in 2024.

Ben Quaintrell, founder and chief executive of My Property Box, which has offices in Darlington, Newcastle and Northallerton, said: “This is a significant acquisition for My Property Box. 

“It takes us into the North West for the first time, gives us an immediate presence across Cumbria and makes us one of the county’s largest estate agencies.

“We’re acquiring an established business with an experienced team and considerable local knowledge. 

As part of the deal, H&H Land & Estates will continue operating its specialist land agency and rural property business across the North of England and southern Scotland.

Its services include the sale and management of farms, estates, land, smallholdings and rural property, alongside land management, valuation and consultancy.

Director of sales and lettings Pauline Carrera-Silva and the existing H&H team, including branch manager Paul Doyle, will transfer to My Property Box.

Richard Rankin, chief executive of H&H Group, added: “This sale is an important part of the continuing growth and realignment of H&H Group as we bring our businesses together and deliver on Rural Matters: our increased focus on agriculture and the rural economy.

“My Property Box is a successful, ambitious and growing regional business with specialist expertise in residential property sales and lettings. 

“We believe it is the right home for the business and will provide the team with an excellent platform from which to develop and flourish.

“The continuity offered by the existing team moving across to My Property Box will also ensure that clients continue to receive the personal and professional service they know and value.

“I would like to thank the whole residential sales and lettings team for everything they have contributed to H&H Land & Estates. 

“We are delighted to have found such a positive way forward and wish them every success as part of My Property Box.”

Ben added: “For H&H clients, it will very much be business as usual. 

“They’ll continue dealing with the same local team, backed by the additional resources and expertise of My Property Box, and we’re committed to maintaining the high standard of service they have come to expect.”

Burnetts Solicitors advised H&H Group on the transaction, with Weightmans acting for My Property Box.

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